[jahesh]

Hi all,


Every time I visit this forum, I realise that I should visit much more often! Learned lots, maybe can share some too:


I've had an A/V PC setup for a while now (currently a 1.0 GHz Duron with 200 GB of storage available, Audigy, Radeon 7500, Intel Wireless keyboard, Logitech Cordless Trackman FX, connected to digital input of a Harman Kardon AVR310 and the S-Video in of a Sony 43" TV). I use it mostly for music, and I have my entire collection on my server. my question: I want the system to have a really easy-to-use front end, with a simple way to which folders to open and which music to play. I envision an HTML desktop, with a few big buttons (easier to read on a TV) where a click runs Internet Explorer, and a different click pulls up an easy-to-read album/playlist listing. Anyone doing this? Any suggestions out there?

 

[PBMax]

Check out Media Box. ( www.media-box.org )

 

[K-Wood]

Check out DVDLobby and, eventually, its cousin, CDLobby. Given the quality of the graphics and the way they look on my display, I'm holding out for CDLobby as a front-end to replace Winamp.


Also check out what folks have done with Talisman.


- Ken

 

[Phat Phreddy]

Although the themes I have done do not include any media browsing they do make a usable front end...


Search on DT Pro which is coming Real Soon Now also as this may be an interesting project...

 

[rteegarden]

I have checked out quite a few MP3 jukebox type software. By far the best I have found is MP3 Collector . It is able to be sorted by anything you can imagine - completley custom! You can search, sort edit tags. Great interface. Make playlists with drag and drop. These guys have concentrated on making a database - not a player - not a ripper!


Just take a look at the screen shots and download the demo. You don't have to enter any data in the database, if your MP3s are tagged properly. Just point it to a folder, or several and it does the rest. I have my CD collection ripped to my HD - 400+ CDs and manage them with this interface.


Rob

 

[DIZ2]

jahesh,


Here is an image of the menu screen from my HTPC interface built using Talisman.

Dan

 

[jahesh]

Thanks, all, for the guidance so far!


I've looked at Talisman, and I'm trying to work with it now - looks like a project for the weekend. Media Box is probably closest to the big-buttoned simplicity that I'm looking for, unfortunately only one of the buttons seems to work. Actually, Dan, your Talisman front end is in line with what I'm picturing in my head, too.


Y'see, my other issue is that I'm quite a Winamp addict, because the visuals and plugins and speed and stability and functionality have proven themselves. So, to work with Winamp (and maybe the addition of Wincue), I think a desktop-based music/playlist explorer would be best at keeping it really simple. (Check out the Acidspunk visual plug-in, I haven't found anything that good for any of the other players)


Basically, I'm overloaded with choices, and they all seem a lot like work! I've taken quick looks at lots of shells, and none seem to be giving me what I've got in my head. What I think I'm going to end up doing is programming an HTML desktop for Windows - at least that way it'll be really simple - I just need a decent file listing script that doesn't look overly plain.


I'd totally appreciate any other guidance that you all have - it's great to find a group that's been there! Thanks again, all.